Anyone else started running when overweight?

[Kryptik]

I weigh 11st and have just started running. I'm on week 3 of a running programme and I'm really enjoying it.

I am doing this as I need to lose weight and get fitter.

Has anyone else done this?
Did you lose lots of weight and did you manage to lose the baby belly through running alone?

Running is such great exercise and the only thing I have really managed to keep doing since having children. It's great for fat burning and overall toning / shrinking. I was never a perfect 10 before and have always had a tummy so no change there - the only change is that now it's higher up.

Pilates has really helped me "strenghten" my core muscles as these have really suffered from three pregnancies and also helps pull my tummy in.

Well done for starting and three weeks is good!! I would highly recommend finding yourself a running buddy as this can really help with getting over the magnetism the sofa has at the end of a long day and it's nice to have a chat along the way, stops you thinking about what you are doing and helps you keep going for longer. Good luck - it can be a real drug, in all the best possible ways and you don't have to be Paula Radcliffe to do it.

Just wondered if you were dieting aswell as running?

Not dieting, but not eating everything in sight either. Controlling the urge to have cakes with coffee, eating full packets of biscuits and finishing off whole tubs of icecream as I did while pregnant / breastfeeding!!

im 11stone and started running last week.....it almost kills me.

I have started running recently too - I'm in my 2nd week and also loving it I'm 13 stone and 5'10".

I'm not expecting to lose massive amounts of weight just from running though. I'm also cutting out butter, cream, cakes, biscuits and chocolate.

I trained a few years ago to do a half marathon and didn't lose weight (I wasn't as heavy then as I am now though). However my shape really improved and loads of people commented on it.

Ooh yes I remember when I breastfed, stuffed my face!! Definitely consumed more than my 500 calories allowance a day. That's probably when my weight really balloned and I never lost it, then baby 2 came along 8 months ago and well the result is a hefty 5 plus stone to shift. Don't think I could face running just yet, would probably collapse with the strain of it Also far too embarrissed to put on a jogging suit in public!
Was considering the Davina DVD I can do that with the blinds closed, does anyone know the name of the DVD that she does that is just 20 mins a day?

Its good to hear others are doing the same
Mrssawdust and Meatntattypie are you following any running programmes?
I'd love to hear how you're getting on.

Thanks for your reply DeirdreB. I can understand that it is the kind of exercise you can keep doing as it seems so easy to slot in a 1/2 hr run whenever its convenient.
Thats a good idea about a running buddy. I'm kind of enjoying doing it by myself at the moment though. With a preschooler at home, I hardly ever get to be by myself.
It feels like this is something I'm doing solely for me and I'd be thrilled if I got to my goal by my own efforts all by myself. I don't know if that makes sense!

I'm trying to diet as well. I'm mainly trying to stick to under 1400cals a day.

I love running now, but I had to lose a few stone before I could start it properly. I'd give myself two black eyes otherwise. Thank god for sports bras!

Read this with interest as I am wanting to start running soon so it's good to hear others have started it and are enjoying it that have weight to lose.

Go for it aSilverlining!
Honestly, I think it really is a drug as DiedreB says. It just makes you feel so good after.

Have a look at this
www.bupa.co.uk/running/training/training-programmes/beginner-5km/

Or this if you have an ipod/mp3 player

www.ullreys.com/robert/Podcasts/page4/files/category-7.html

I started running last year when I was 17 stone. I did couch potato to 5k and ran the race for life after 4 months without stopping. I didn't lose much weight, about a stone, but I did tone up and felt a whole lot fitter.
I didn't diet at all though, which might have helped

I do keep up the running but it's harder to find the time at the moment.

I started running when I was 12.5 stone. I loved it and I got down to 10 stone (and then immediately got pregnant - oh well!)

Take it slowly - nothing is more off-putting than hurting yourself. Get an i-pod.

After a few months of running outside, I joined the local authority gym and ran on the treadmills - and from there got the confidence to try other machines, weights etc. I would really recommend this. (quite cheap and not intimidating).

Also, when I started feeling fitter, I naturally started watching what I was eating and drinking as well - never went on an actual diet but watched portion size etc. and cut down on the wine. The weight came off really quickly.

Good luck!

Oh, this is making me feel all wistful.

I started running about 18 months ago in the summer, to kick-start weightloss (was about 11 1/2 st), and it was great - felt all fresh and sprightly, lost about 1/2 stone and didn't interfere with the rest of my day.

Then winter came and I got a chest infection which lasted a good 6 weeks, so as well as being back to square one fitness- and motivation-wise, I was wary of the same thing happening again.

Haven't run since, but am tempted to start again - is it possible I'm vulnerable to the cold air, or was I just unlucky (or am I a wimp?!)

i'm doing couch to 5k. i weigh around 14 stone (too scared to actually check tbh.)I'm on week 4. annoyed today because there's snow and I'm a bit scared to run. might go after work to local park if it has been gritted.

OurLady I think you were unlucky - lots of people had horrible bugs that lastest forever last winter. I'm sure you will find that it takes less time to get back to where you were than it took the first time - legs just seem to remember how to run! I understand the "sprightly" comment - there is a great Friends sketch where Phoebe runs like there there is no one watching. I also love the advert for running gear in "What women want" that says - "the road is always there for you etc".

simmo39 Davina's DVD is the power of 3, I think - 3 30 minute work outs. There is a high 5 one too of 20 minutes but I think this is harder. Don't be embarassed about putting on a jogging suit in public, you only see people for a split second anyway and chances are they are wearing a ridiculous pair of running tights anyway!!

Kryptik I think you've inspired something here!!

I second that wistful feeling, OurLady. I lost nearly two stone by running and dieting, and I did the 5k Race For Life in early summer. I've pretty much ground to a halt over the winter, as the only time I can really fit a run in is in the evening and I don't much fancy running in the cold and dark, particularly in a village with few street lamps. I've put at least 1/2 a stone back on.

Yes, I'm in a dark village as well - it's also hilly, which is a challenge but ultimately is probably a Good Thing as it means you have bursts of higher-intensity, making your run more like interval training.

Maybe I'll start again when the weather warms up a bit.

I've just started. I'm 5'8" and 13 stones.

I've started again after a break. Just under 11 stone and 5 ft 2.5 (the .5 is very important). Can only manage 2 - 3 miles but it makes me feel great, lighter, thinner and very energetic. It's hard trying to make time and I find it easier if I run with someone else (also better for the dark nights/early mornings in winter). I tend to lose weight if I run for a few months because running makes me want to eat less. I've signed up for Sport Relief and the Race for Life as I'm better with goals. I think toning once you've lost a bit of weight through running will probably be best for the baby belly.

I have been running since last September when I weighed in at 14st 8lbs. I am now down to 12st 12lbs. I am also on Weightwatchers but I find the running makes the difference between 1lb off or 2-3 lbs off in a week. I am also struggling in the dark evenings and bad weather - and my knees are getting sore. I will try to get new trainers this weekend and see if that helps the motivation.

If you'd told me 6 months ago I'd be running regularly I would have laughed in your face.

Kryptic, I'm following a couch to 5k prog I found on the runners world website (sorry I can't link when mn ing from phone). Currently on week 2. Last week was 1 minute runs with 90 sec walks in between. This week it's 2 minute runs with 1 minute walks.

I get sore knees the day after a run - I thought it was down to being overweight putting strain on my knees. Anyone know more about this?

Ok I am going to try it, think I will get the power of 3 Davina DVD, then try running in the evenings aswell. That way I will avoid as many people as possible seeing me in my tracksuit. Couldn't bear people laughing at my big behind wobbling along

Feeling very motivated & inspired - thanks everyone (well at the mo I am sat on my bum watching crimewatch - not a good idea when I am planning to go out running in the dark evenings - think I will change channels!!)

Weight coming off still on my LC carb diet so need to do something to help tone up. Am loosing the weight so fast and don't want to be left saggy....

No one will see you in the dark and by the summer you will be skinny and toned!!

Thanks everyone for your responses.

Its really nice to hear the inspiring stories from those of you who've been doing it for a while. Well done!

Simmo39 I don't think most people laugh at overweight runners. They probably think 'good for her for doing something about it!' (Thats what I'm hoping!)

MrsSawdust I don't know much about knee probs but I know its really important to have good, cushioned running shoes, and to check your posture.

I was meant to go for a run yesterday but had a cold. It seems to have cleared up today so I'm hoping to go this eve.
On Tues, I was running intervals of 4mins when I was struggling doing 1min just over 2 weeks ago! I'm amazed at how quickly you can progress.

I agree, nobody laughs at overweight runners. I don't think anyone cares, quite honestly!

Well I do have decent running shoes bought at a proper running shop where they make you run on a machine to see what your gait is like. They are maybe 3 or 4 years old, but haven't seen that much action

If my posture's wrong I'm not sure how to check that or what to do about it.

Also amazed at quick progress Kryptik, and that's one of the things that makes it so addictive I reckon.

I got drenched on my run this morning (and so did my poor dog!)

I'm thinking it would be really nice to keep this thread going as a support / keep each other motivated / log our progress sort of thing. What do others think?